Pirelli react to chaos

Pirelli is to strengthen its tyres for the German Grand Prix after a series of dangerous blow-outs at Silverstone that led to calls for urgent action on Tuesday.

The broadcaster said on its website that the Italian manufacturer would make the rear tyres' internal belt with the high-strength synthetic fibre Kevlar instead of the usual steel to reduce temperatures and the risk of punctures.

Safety concerns were expressed after Sunday's British Grand Prix after Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, Jean-Eric Vergne of Toro Rosso and Sergio Perez of McLaren all suffered blow-outs.

Formula One teams, Pirelli and the FIA have called a meeting at the Nurburgring for Wednesday to discuss the matter.